LERD is Characterized by a Chronic Sore Throat and is Commonly Associated with Allergies
LERD, once thought to be a complication of GERD (where acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus) is now thought to be a distinct disease differing in presentation and process of treatment.
LERD can lead to chronic laryngitis with voice changes, airway stenosis, as well as recurrent sinus infections, otitis and obstructive sleep apnea.
The characteristic symptoms of LERD include constant throat clearing, difficulty swallowing, feeling “something stuck in the throat,” throat burning, hoarseness, as well as nighttime cough and excessive post nasal drainage.
The most important treatment is the ability to distinguish between gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and LERD, as the treatment varies to a degree and also has to be more aggressive. It usually takes a longer period of time for the symptoms of LERD to improve. Thus, persistence and understanding of the process is very important.
In our practice, we treat both GERD and LERD, associated with allergic and nonallergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, ear infections or Eustachian tube dysfunction.
